“The Alan and Elizabeth Finkel Prize recognises and reinforces, both internally and externally, that research within the John Curtin School of Medical Research is focused on problems affecting not only Australia, but the world,” Professor Schmidt said.

“For this we thank the Finkels and their family, for their generosity and their vision.”

The Prize is open to all academics, including students, within The John Curtin School of Medical Research.

Professor Cockburn last month won $US100,000 in funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for his malaria research.